About this role
Job SummaryThis position is part of the Engineering Branch under the Administrative Services Division. The position is responsible for professional architectural work in support of planning, design, construction, utilities, alterations, repairs, and installation of fixed equipment in APHIS owned/leased buildings and facilities. The position takes an active role in defining and developing the requirements of APHIS staff regarding architecture project management and construction initiatives.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems. -OR- Combination of Education and Experience: college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following: Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph A. The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities. The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials. Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations. Experience: An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had l year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture. -AND- FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: (1) Preparing architectural/engineering designs, specifications, and estimates; (2) Reviewing and providing technical comments on architectural/engineering designs, specifications, and estimates; (3) Briefing leadership on the status, progress, and issues surrounding architectural projects; (4) Analyzing, interpreting, and compiling quantitative data and construction documents to support planning, reporting, and decision-making; (5) Producing architectural drawings that incorporate applicable design standards and requirements. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
Major DutiesThe duties may include, but are not limited to:Serves as project manager on many major construction initiatives, forms design teams, determines what may be provided to the program within budgetary constraints and identifies and optimizes project priorities.Develops architectural plans and/or specifications for the design and construction of new structures as well as the renovation of existing structures.Serves as consultant and advisor concerning the development of policies for the preparation of architectural specifications, costs, materials, and related architectural phases of construction projects.Translates technical knowledge of program requirements through application of sound architectural principles to plans and specifications for other architectural and engineering specialists, firm or contractors.Reviews and revises plans, specifications, estimates, layouts and equipment requests submitted by architect-engineers and other pertinent personnel for construction projects for which the branch is responsible.Monitors construction to see that work proceeds in accordance with the plans and specifications, proper sequence and timelines.Serves on the APHIS Architect-Engineer Evaluation Board in cooperation with the contracting officer to evaluate qualifications, relevant experience and capabilities of prospective architect-engineers to meet APHIS construction project needs.Participates in reviews of bids, contract proposals and specifications giving recommendations of approval or modifications.Serve as Contracting Officer's Representative providing technical expertise and advice during construction of facilities and makes recommendations to the Contracting Officer regarding contractor notice and/or suspension.Serves on committees with federal, state and local government groups and ensures compliance with EPA, state and local requirements/laws.